This collection of portrait miniatures at Whyte’s sale at the RDS in Dublin on September 16 relates to the Swete family. The portrait of a girl with short hair against a dark background is attributed to Henry Kirchhoffer RHA (1781-1860) and contains his signature and other works are attributed to Frederick Buck (1771-1839). The 12 portrait miniatures are accompanied by five Victorian photographs. The Swete family were prominent landowners in west Cork. Various members were married into many local families over the generations. They once owned Ballinacurra House, Kinsale and had estates in Bandon, Lissarda and east Carbery. The miniatures are estimated at 4,000-6,000. The catalogue for the auction is online. UPDATE: THE MINIATURE PORTRAITS MADE 4,200 AT HAMMER
